Failed twice LX01- what the???

I've been a Linux user since '98 but have done little in the way of linux admin work, so most of my linux experience has been through a gui with occasional use of the CLI. I'm trying to change career paths and formalize my experience by getting certifications. (also helps to get through HR filters and so on).

I've been doing the LPIC 1-101 course on Udemy.com and some reading (not enough apparently). I have a lab set up with a Debian machine and a virtual Fedora machine to work with.

Two weeks ago i felt ready having scored high on a number of test exams, ... and failed with a 480. Bummer, but first time so I'm ok with that. I can learn from it, figure out where I am weak and go again. A score of 480 is so close to passing that I was sure I would pass with a little more work.

Late last week I retook the exam and failed even harder! I scored 430! And yet I felt more confident in my answers this time.
I'm not sure what happened and I'm not sure what to do next - I can't keep paying to take this exam if I can't pass it, but I see a lot of folks say this exam is simple and I wonder what I am doing wrong.

I suspect the issue is this - I learn by doing, and I currently have no practical application for what I am learning. I can run through an example configuration or command, set something up, but once I'm done, I've forgotten everything. I'm just not learning it.

I'm not sure what to do at this point; perhaps try something else and put Linux on hold?
I'm planning on taking my CCNP switch next year and perhaps my CCNA:SEC as well. I'm also looking at CompTIA project+ and some windows certs so maybe a that is route forward. Anyway, not sure where I am going with this but thought I'd throw this out to the forum and see what wisdom comes back, because right now I am shell shocked that I failed twice and stumped as to where to go next.